How to keep the kidneys healthy

The following are suggestionsTrusted Source for keeping the kidneys healthy and helping avoid kidney disease:

• Eating a balanced diet: Many kidney problems result from high blood pressure and diabetes. As a result, maintaining a nutritious, well-balanced diet can prevent several common causes of kidney disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends the DASH dietTrusted Source for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
• Getting enough exercise: Exercising for 30 minutes every day can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and obesity, both of which put pressure on kidney health.
• Drinking plenty of water: Fluid intake, especially of water, is important. Many factors can affect how much water people should drink, but about 4–6 glasses per day can help improve and maintain kidney health.
• Taking supplements: Be careful when taking supplements, as not all dietary supplements and vitamins are beneficial. Some can harm the kidneys if a person takes too many.
• Limiting salt: Limit sodium intake to a maximum of 2,300 milligrams (mg)Trusted Source of sodium, and ideally 1,500 mgTrusted Source, each day.
• Moderating alcohol: Consuming more than one drink per day for females and two per day for males can harm the kidneys and impair renal function.
• Avoiding smoking: Tobacco smoke restricts blood vessels. Without an adequate blood supply, the kidneys will not be able to complete their normal work.
• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications: A drug is not harmless simply because a person does not need a prescription to get it. Overusing OTC drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage the kidneys.
• Screening for health conditions:Anyone with high blood pressure or diabetes should consider discussing regular kidney screening with a doctor to help spot any possible health issues.
• Managing diabetes and heart disease:Following a doctor’s recommendations for managing these conditions can help protect the kidneys in the long term.
• Taking steps to get quality sleep and control stress: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends getting 7–8 hours of sleepTrusted Source each night and seeking out activities to reduce stress.

Keeping the kidneys in full working order is essential for overall health.